Pashinee Mudra is a gesture known for its ability to overcome hidden subconscious fears. It is practiced assuming Halasana as the basic posture, hence, categorized as one of the postural (kaya) mudras.
Pashinee mudra is a part of the hatha yoga practices that require flexibility, practice, and experience. This classifies it as a complex mudra to hold.
However, the physical, energetic, and psychological benefits that it provides proves this mudra to be worth trying.
Pashinee mudra meaning
Pashinee is derived from the Sanskrit term “Pasha” which means “noose”. The term “Pashinee” used here refers to “bound in a noose” and “mudra” means gesture.
While performing this mudra the body is further folded from halasana to bring the knees closer to ears. This movement of the body mimics tying and pulling a noose, hence the name.
Practicing this gesture provides relaxing effects on the nervous system. Therefore, it is also known as folded psychic attitude.
How to do Pashinee mudra
- Get into Halasana at first and separate the feet by about half a meter.
- Bend the knees and bring the thighs towards the chest until the knees touch the ears, shoulder, and floor.
- Wrap the arms tightly around the legs and relax the body.
- Close your eyes and take deep and slow breaths.
- Hold the final position as long as comfortably possible.
- Now, gently release the arms to come back to Halasana.
- Lower the legs and then relax in Shavasana.
Contraindications
- Do not practice Pashinee Mudra if there is any spinal condition or disorder.
- Avoid this mudra if you are suffering from diarrhea.
- Do not try it if you have a deep or recent neck injury.
- Women must skip this mudra during menstruation or pregnancy.
Precautions
- Try not to push yourself and practice it as slowly and gently as possible.
- Practice Pashinee mudra on an empty stomach.
- Get into the practice of this mudra only once you have gained expertise in halasana.
Note: Keep your awareness towards the stretched neck while staying in Pashinee mudra. Spiritually, the mind must be focused on the Vishuddha chakra.
Pashinee Mudra benefits
1. Increases spine flexibility – Pashinee mudra involves the stretching of the back muscles. It helps in extending the spinal column and enhances the flexibility of spinal muscles.
2. Relaxes the nervous system – This mudra soothes the nerves and energizes the nervous system. By revitalizing the nerves, it helps in getting rid of subconscious fears. It also releases the practitioner from unconscious animal conditioning, i.e. the fear of getting locked or chained up.
3. Stimulates energy chakras – Pashinee mudra stimulates five chakras initiating from the root (Muladhara) chakra to the throat (Vishuddha) chakra. Thus, provides multiple health benefits.
4. Tones abdominal organs – Folding the body as described in Pashinee Mudra’s procedure stimulates the abdominal organs. It provides massaging effects to internal organs, hence facilitates the efficiency of all the abdominal organs.
5. Draws awareness towards inner-self – Holding this mudra balances the nervous system and provides time to dive into the inner self. It enables the yogi to attain pratyahara and brings tranquility.
Conclusion
Pashinee mudra is a gesture that brings you the physical and psychological benefits of both the mudra and Halasana.
Though it’s a complex mudra, if practiced keeping all the precautions in mind proved to be a beneficial one.
